1974 Ford Escort Mexico

Introduced in 1967 the Ford Escort Mark I was a success in many parts of Western Europe and in the UK it was the highest selling car during the 1960s. In 1974, less than six years after the car's UK introduction, Ford announced the completion of the two millionth Ford Escort, a milestone unmatched by any Ford model outside the USA.

The Escort, in various guises, went on to become one of the most successful rally cars of all time. The Ford works team was practically unbeatable in the late 1960s and early 1970s and, arguably the Escort's greatest victory was in the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally when the winning car was driven by Finnish legend Hannu Mikkola.

This 1974 Ford Escort Mexico was comprehensively restored between 1992 and 1998 by its last owner. Using the correct type 49 body shell and genuine Ford parts, the restoration showed that the car was in highly original condition, with the rear end of the car in particular showing no signs of welding. The engine was rebuilt in 1997 by specialists Vulcan Engineering. Following completion of the restoration, VUM 146N was then left in a heated garage until discovered by the vendor in 2011. Recent work has included new wheels and tyres, new seats front and rear and general works to get the car in good working order ready for extended use. The paintwork is described by the vendor as still in excellent condition

Registered with the AVO club since 1992, this Mexico is supplied with a fresh MoT, original handbook and history file. With Mk I Escort prices continuing to rise, this original and unmolested road-going example would make a worthy addition to any collection of the marque.